UAE Team Emirates-XRG Wins Stage 5 Time Trial at Vuelta

UAE Team Emirates-XRG clinches stage 5 victory at Vuelta a España. Almeida, Ayuso, and Soler rise in general classification after a strong team effort

Bianca Qureshi• 8/28/2025• 871 Views

The Vuelta a España, one of the world’s most exciting cycling races, saw an impressive performance from UAE Team Emirates-XRG during the Stage 5 Team Time Trial. This stage brought new excitement to the race as the Emirati squad showed outstanding teamwork and speed, claiming a memorable victory.

Stage 5: Team Time Trial in Figueres

Stage 5 of the Vuelta a España was a team time trial, a format in which the entire team rides together to complete the course as fast as possible. This stage took place in Figueres, Spain, and covered a distance of 24.1 kilometers. The riders were pushed to maintain a very high pace throughout the course, requiring both physical strength and perfect coordination.

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In a team time trial, every second counts. Riders must work together, taking turns at the front to cut through the wind, allowing their teammates to conserve energy while still keeping up high speeds. UAE Team Emirates-XRG executed this strategy perfectly. The team rode at an average speed just under 57 kilometers per hour, showing not only their fitness but also their strong teamwork and planning.

Victory by Eight Seconds

UAE Team Emirates-XRG crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 25 minutes and 26 seconds. This timing was enough to beat the second-placed team, Visma-Lease a Bike, by eight seconds. In cycling, an eight-second lead may seem small, but in a race like the Vuelta, it is a significant margin. It was a testament to the team’s effort, skill, and preparation for this stage.

The victory was more than just a stage win. It was a milestone for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, marking their 74th victory of the 2025 season. Such consistent success highlights the team’s dominance and their commitment to performing at the highest level in professional cycling.

Impact on General Classification

This win had an immediate impact on the individual rankings in the race, known as the general classification (GC). Riders Juan Ayuso, João Almeida, and Marc Soler all improved their positions because of the team’s performance. Juan Ayuso moved up to second place, João Almeida to third, and Marc Soler to fourth. The Emirati team is now just eight seconds behind the race leader, Jonas Vingegaard from Denmark.

For fans of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, this is an exciting development. It shows that the team is not only strong in individual stages but also capable of competing for the overall win in the general classification. The close timing behind Vingegaard adds a sense of anticipation for the upcoming stages, as every second could matter in deciding the final winner of the Vuelta a España.

Rider Highlights

João Almeida: Known for his endurance and consistency, Almeida played a key role in this team time trial. His steady riding helped maintain the team’s pace across the 24.1 km course.
Juan Ayuso: Ayuso’s performance was outstanding, and his move to second place in the general classification demonstrates his growing potential as one of the young stars in professional cycling.
Marc Soler: Soler also contributed significantly, helping the team stay organized and fast throughout the course. His effort ensured UAE Team Emirates-XRG could finish with the best time.

Teamwork Makes the Difference

One of the most remarkable aspects of this victory is the level of teamwork shown by UAE Team Emirates-XRG. In a team time trial, riders must communicate constantly, take turns at the front, and maintain a precise formation to reduce wind resistance. Each rider’s effort directly impacts the speed of the entire team.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s preparation for this stage was clear. The riders had trained together extensively, focusing on coordination, pacing, and endurance. This teamwork allowed them to maintain an average speed of almost 57 km/h—a pace that is both physically demanding and strategically challenging.

Strategic Approach

The strategy in a team time trial is critical. Teams plan which rider will take the lead at certain points, how long each rider should stay in front, and how to handle different sections of the course. UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s approach was precise, and it paid off. Each rider’s effort was carefully measured, ensuring no one exhausted themselves too early while keeping the team moving at maximum speed.

Importance of the Stage Win

Winning a stage in the Vuelta a España is a prestigious achievement. It demonstrates strength, coordination, and mental toughness. For UAE Team Emirates-XRG, this win is a boost to their confidence and morale. It also sends a strong message to other teams in the race: UAE Team Emirates-XRG is a serious contender not just in individual stages but for the overall victory.

Moreover, victories like this are celebrated by fans and sponsors alike. They reinforce the team’s reputation as a top-level squad in international cycling, attracting attention and support from fans around the world.

The Road Ahead

As the Vuelta a España continues, the competition is expected to intensify. The narrow gap of just eight seconds behind Jonas Vingegaard means that UAE Team Emirates-XRG has a real chance to challenge for the overall lead. Fans will be closely watching the next stages, eager to see how the team manages its riders’ energy and strategies.

Cycling is as much about mental strength as it is about physical ability. Maintaining focus and motivation is crucial, especially when the margins are so small. UAE Team Emirates-XRG has demonstrated that they can handle the pressure and ride as a united group, which is essential for the remaining stages.

Celebration and Recognition

After the finish, the team celebrated their stage win, proud of their achievement and the effort they put in. Such victories are a result of months of hard work, dedication, and practice. Every rider, coach, and support staff member plays a role in making success possible.

For the riders, this stage win is a reward for their hard work and a motivation to keep pushing in the upcoming stages. It also serves as an inspiration for young cyclists and fans who follow the sport, showing what can be achieved through teamwork, dedication, and careful planning.

The Stage 5 Team Time Trial at the Vuelta a España was a showcase of UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s talent, teamwork, and strategy. Completing the 24.1 km course in just 25 minutes and 26 seconds and beating Visma-Lease a Bike by eight seconds highlights their speed and efficiency.

With riders Juan Ayuso, João Almeida, and Marc Soler moving up in the general classification and the team just eight seconds behind the leader Jonas Vingegaard, UAE Team Emirates-XRG has set the stage for an exciting remainder of the race. Fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from this Emirati squad as they aim for further victories and potentially the overall title.

This remarkable achievement is a clear sign that UAE Team Emirates-XRG continues to grow stronger, compete at the highest level, and inspire the cycling world with their determination and skill.